When Everything Goes Smooth… Until It Doesn’t!

 

By Prince Gora 

Say you are about to wrap up a two-year master’s program on a scholarship and have got two job offers lined up. After carefully weighing each offer and all the possible risks involved, you grudgingly decline one and bet on the other. You sign the employment contract long before you even finish your thesis and, of course, long before graduation. Still, you’re nervous because you’ve heard too many stories of rejected work permits, so you keep your fingers crossed and avoid making sudden changes in your life.

But guess what? The work permit comes through in record time! With all lose ends tied up, you finally resign from your part time job and plan a two-week vacation so that you can start your dream job well-rested and ready.

Everything is going so smooth that the realist, chess player in you cannot see anything going wrong at this point because all your chess pieces are perfectly protected.

And then, all of a sudden, checkmate!

How did everything go wrong and so suddenly? What exactly went wrong? Well, I lost the job I had decided to bet on before I even began it.

Did I do something wrong? No, not really. As far as I can tell I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

A representative of the the company I was set to work for called me one Wednesday afternoon to inform me that the company had just lost one of its biggest contracts following a bidding process and would have to undergo downsizing with immediate effect. By Norwegian law, when a company undergoes downsizing, the least experienced and least senior people have to be let go first. Just like that, my fate was sealed.

I tried going for a walk when I first received the news but my feet weren't carrying me fast enough so I switched to a bicycle instead. And boy, did I cycle? Three hours and sixty kilometers, trying to clear my head and take it all in.

I had spent over two months realigning my life towards this new job. I’d quit my part-time jobs, spent countless hours researching the industry, reshaping my routines and social life for this new chapter. I had reached out to people who could guide me, revised old knowledge, sped up my Norwegian lessons, changed vacation plans and canceled conferences. I was doing everything I could to show up ready. And then, with one phone call, it was all taken away.

I am quite cautious in life and have been called a persimist by some, though I prefer realist, because of my unwillingness to believe in smooth sailing. I always try to anticipate all the possible scenarios and prepare accordingly as a strong believer of Murphy's law that, 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong... at the most inopportune time.' Nonetheless, I could very well have been blindfolded because I didn’t see this one coming. 

I’ve been immensing myself in stoicism principles lately and maybe that's how I survived this one. After a few days, I discovered that I wasn't the only one facing the chop so I figured that this almost certainly has repurcusions on the company as well. This prompted me to put myself in the company’s shoes and when I did, I instantly softened up because the situation didn't look any better from that end either.

I also remembered and reread one of my old writings from 2020 that dealt with loss. It was a much smaller, almost insignificant loss then but the wisdom of it not only brought me back to life but also encouraged me to put this on a piece of the web as well because this could come in handy one of these days.

I vowed to live this chapter with the words I wrote back in 2020 that, 'When things don't go your way in life, sometimes it may be a good idea to simply take your loss, raise up your head and move on.'

The One That Got Away… and Came Back!

By Prince Gora 

They say you never truly appreciate something until you get a taste of what it should have been all along. That holds for love, for freedom, and, unexpectedly for me, for engineering as well.

My fascination with engineering began back in high school when I was introduced to the worlds of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. There was something magical about understanding the mechanics of a falling object, something thrilling in the knowledge of how tiny bits of a catalyst could speed up a reaction, and something deeply awe-inspiring in knowing that a single chromosome determines a human being's sex. It felt like unlocking secrets of the universe and somewhere between a sketch and a formula, the numbers began to tell their own story. They brought clarity to chaos and made the invisible visible. 

It wasn’t that I disliked other subjects. I enjoyed history, had a strange fondness for accounts, and even found geography exciting now and then. I’ve always been an all-rounder. I still play football. I still binge-watch lectures on politics, like Professor Ian Shapiro’s series on power and politics in today's world, and I’m currently deep into Yale’s financial literacy series. But from early on, I knew engineering was where all the threads met. Medicine never quite appealed. I liked biology, but I never had the stomach for blood. I wanted the mix. Physics. Chemistry. Maths. Logic. Systems. It just made sense that way.

So when I was accepted at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), it felt like my intellectual passions were finally coming home. And to some extent, they did. In the beginning, I was genuinely inspired. The coursework was stimulating and the intellectual pace electric. But soon, the cracks began to show. Resources were scarce. Equipment outdated. Internet access? Intermittent at best.

Then came the third year; the industrial attachment phase. This was supposed to be the bridge to the real world and I had long looked forward to it. But opportunities were few and I ended up working at what in Zimbabwe we call a "Museyamwa" company: a name, a desk, basic processes of some chemical production but little else. The real heartbreak came with the realization that this wasn't an exception, it was the norm. And the prospects after graduation looked no brighter.

 

By the final year, the spark had dimmed and engineering had stopped feeling like a calling and turned into something else entirely, a hustle, a burden, a means of scraping by. Between the unstable infrastructure, the constant anxiety over fees, and a future that didn’t inspire much hope, passion had to take a backseat to survival and just getting through the semester. When fees weren’t a worry, Wi-Fi was. When Wi-Fi wasn’t a worry, equipment was. When equipment was somehow available, human support and industry exposure were in short supply. And if all that somehow worked, you were still battling corruption, burnout, and broken systems.

By then, I had become a student activist. I had to. With my worldview, it was almost inevitable that I would end up caught in the chaos of fighting with, for, and among students. We were demanding better conditions, fighting for academic freedom, and pushing for space to express ourselves.

All the while, I was also hustling to pay my own fees. I had started writing for University World News, which I loved but probably would have preferred to be an option rather than a survival necessity and was also actively involved with several NGOs, many of which had little to do with thermodynamics.

I even started to wonder if I should leave engineering altogether. Maybe go into law. Maybe politics. Or maybe journalism? It was paying my bills anyway so why not?

And I wasn’t alone. One brilliant friend who studied Electrical Engineering at HIT as well switched paths completely. Another, trained in fitting and turning at Harare Polytechnic left it all behind for political science and is now doing a master's in the social sciences. And there were and are many others walking the same paths.

Somehow, I survived. Graduated, even. But it took moving to Norway, to the University of Stavanger (UiS) to see what engineering education could look like when the system actually works for you, not against you and for me, to fall back in love with engineering.

Here, things are different. I don’t just mean the language or the weather. I mean the system. Education here is not a punishment or a privilege. It’s not a burden or a gamble. It’s a foundation. A right.

Education in Norway is free. Yes, free. And beyond that, students receive support through Lånekassen, a mix of grants and loans, to help them focus on learning, not survival. I was on a scholarship, but was struck by how even regular students never had to worry about tuition or textbook money. This is the kind of education we want, one that levels the field.

My master’s thesis here? Done entirely in one lab. Everything I needed was available or ordered quickly. No need to borrow from other departments or universities. Back in Zimbabwe, I often had to travel to other institutions just to find working equipment.

What truly stood out here for me though is the industry connection. I completed my thesis a short while ago and it pleases me that it's not going to just gather dust in an archive somewhere. It’s part of an ongoing real-world project, with a company, solving a real problem. And there are plans to continue that work. Here, research matters. It goes somewhere.

The professors here show up too. Not that they didn’t try to show up in Zimbabwe. They did; but when you’re earning three bucks an hour and constantly battling poor internet and a lack of equipment, there’s only so much you can do.

At UiS, professors mentor. They push. Job search and internships? They pitch in too. During the thesis, they do the lab work with you, read your drafts, give feedback, and help solve problems. One course that I took, Oilfield Chemistry, was taught almost entirely by industry professionals. These weren’t just lectures. They were collaborations. We worked on reports, presentations, and real deliverables. Not crammed theory. Not academic fluff.

The infrastructure helps too. The library is open 24/7. The labs are modern. The mental health services are real and accessible. The students care about the environment. And most importantly, the institution cares about its students.

Being here has shown me what education could be. What it should be. What it must be.

It must be free. It must be supported. It must be resourced. But above all, it must believe in the student. In Zimbabwe, I was fighting to survive. In Norway, I found room to thrive.

Of course, I understand that providing free education for everyone is not a simple task. It will take serious resources, serious planning, and serious time. It’s not something we’ll achieve in a year. Maybe not in five. Maybe not even ten.

But we must stop dismissing it as impossible.

In conversations with high-level officials back home, I was often made to feel like systems like this Norwegian one were out of reach. A fantasy. But I’ve lived it now. I know it’s real. I know it’s possible. And the Zimbabwean people deserve to know it too.

We need a plan. A real, phased, achievable plan. Not another empty political promise that next year everyone will learn for free. We need to map out the steps, allocate the resources, and get to work. Slowly. Steadily.

 

Because this isn’t just about fairness. It’s about our future. The world is moving. Fast. Digital skills. Technological infrastructure. Whoever masters the tech, masters the future. If we want a seat at that table, we need institutions that aren’t crumbling, but competing. We need labs that work, staff who care, and systems that believe in their students.

That’s why this conversation matters. That’s why this goal matters.

The education we want must stop being a dream. It must become a commitment.

A national one.

About the author.

Prince Gora is a writer, former student activist, and newly minted environmental engineer. He studied Chemical and Process Systems Engineering at the Harare Institute of Technology and recently completed his Master’s in Environmental Engineering at the University of Stavanger. A long-time contributor to the SAFRAP Newsletter, he also served briefly as assistant editor. In earlier years, he blogged frequently and contributed to outlets like University World News and local newspapers. These days, he still writes, just a little less often but always with purpose.

Career Readiness: Is Education Bridging the Gap to Workforce Success - A Comparison of the Harare Institute of Technology (Zimbabwe) and University of Stavanger (Norway)

By Prince Gora

Education for me has been beautiful and transformative. It has taken me from the tiny rural area of Ringa near Beatrice to the heart of Harare, Zimbabwe and now to the picturesque landscapes of Stavanger, Norway.

The main goal of this journey, traversed from the young age of five to now, my mid twenties, has been one: to prepare for the workforce, directly and indirectly.

In my early years, I learnt merely for the love of learning and for setting a solid foundation for the future but as I grew older, I began to worry about my career prospects and tried to learn things that could prepare me for the workforce. As the imperative to integrate into the workforce became increasingly evident and imminent, the educational institutions I attended progressively specialized to meet the evolving demands of my professional readiness.

HEAT at HIT

Up to high school, the focus of all the schools I went to was simply to get good grades and enough background knowledge to get into college. When I enrolled at Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), for the first time in my life, focus was turned to preparing me for the industry, or rather, for my life after college.

Due to the state of the Zimbabwean industry, the focus was not only to prepare me for the job industry but also to enable me to create jobs when I would eventually complete my studies. Though studying engineering, my educational journey at HIT saw me taking courses in communication and presentation skills, programming and perhaps most importantly, entrepreneurship, innovation and business.

The truth is that my classmates and I were not very fond of studying all these extra modules. We didn’t really understand why we were learning these things. “We are studying to be engineers, and not business people,” we argued.

In addition to the aforementioned courses and normal engineering courses, we had to carry out an 8 - 12 months intense internship (job placement) program, take various practical courses, make industrial visits and write up to 3 projects. The last of these served as our final year dissertation but all 3 were equally intense.

Virtually all of us hated this academic structure because the academic environment at HIT was rigorous and put us under immense pressure throughout our time there. Indeed, I cannot seem to remember a time when I was ever ‘free’ during my days at HIT. The pressure also meant that it was very difficult to study during the semester and many of us resolved to cram when exam time came near, particularly during the famous ‘SWOT’ week where many of us crammed, passed and then quickly forgot. Because of this; it’s not exactly rare to receive a random email or text message from an old classmate seeking information about something we learnt in class.

Looking back, we probably should have put more focus on the non-engineering subjects and embraced the pressure because it turned out that HIT knew that we needed more than engineering theories to make it in the brutal and shrinking Zimbabwean industry.

They probably did more than needed to be done, and I really have to emphasize that my analysis of HIT’s ability to prepare students for the job market in Zimbabwe should not be confused with my overall student experience there. That one, is a topic for another day.

There are, of course, some shortfalls with how HIT is preparing students for the job market. Some of these, like limited resources and outdated infrastructure are mostly beyond their control but they still need to be addressed because they pose hurdles in providing students with the latest tools and technologies.

Taking 8 - 10 modules per semester and doing 3 projects during the course of studies probably needs closer interrogation, to see if the pressure this exerts on students is really worth it. Job placement; though very noble, probably needs to be scrapped. With the shrinking industry in the country, very few students - and usually those who are well connected - are actually getting valuable working experience. The rest of us have to settle for things that add little to no value to our engineering studies because getting an internship position at any company in Zimbabwe has become very difficult.

There was a bit of industry - university collaboration at HIT but with the benefit of hindsight and a new experience, I have had to sadly conclude that it was probably too little. Furthermore, the implementation of new technological methods at HIT is rather far off the mark. All of these areas need to be addressed.

The major challenge facing HIT however is that there are not enough industries to absorb all of its graduates at the moment. Of course their strong emphasis on creating jobs, also echoed by the Ministry, has helped to ease this situation but not by much. I advocate for government intervention to play a pivotal role in supporting students and graduates by offering financial loans and implementing youth-friendly policies. This strategic approach aims to not only kickstart entrepreneurship but also to breathe new life into the industry. In a way, they are letting HIT down which has a legacy of producing resilient and adaptable graduates who excel in their chosen fields. My suggestions in this article can only further amplify the positive impact HIT has on career preparedness.

Tech and Students at the Centre at UiS
This is only my second semester at Universitet i Stavanger (UiS) in Norway so my analysis doesn’t exactly benefit from hindsight. Nonetheless, the transition from HIT to UiS has been quite an experience. At UiS, I found myself immersed in a different educational paradigm.

What really struck me is how student centric and technologically advanced they are. The learning environment is so good that I once remarked to a fellow African student in my department that, “Coming from Africa, there is literally no reason why we must fail or even get bad grades here.”

To a friend who queried on whether or not I was going to continue student activism, I simply said, “Let’s just say that if I had started my education here, I wouldn’t be a student activist in the first place.” Everything that I fought for in Zimbabwe, everything I was told is too much to ask for; is a reality here. Actually, I think we were asking for too little.

I have spoken at length about the student centric approach at UiS here because it is the basis of their education. They put students and their needs at the center of everything they do and one of the students’ main needs is, of course, to fit in the job industry.

Not only is the Norwegian approach student centric but it also places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. The University of Stavanger's commitment to research and innovation is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative projects with industries. This focus on practical skills has a direct impact on career readiness, aligning education with the requirements of the workforce.

I haven’t been here long but I have already been on at least 10 industrial visits; many more than I had in 4 years at HIT. I have also attended 2 job fairs organised by UiS, again something that I never did at HIT.

I sometimes attended lectures by industry experts, often in my business related modules at HIT but it was only once in a while. At UiS, I have that kind of lecture at least once every month. This collaborative learning environment has given me a strong connection and perspective on the industry here, which I believe is a key aspect that contributes to better career preparedness. There is no job placement here but the university-industry collaboration makes up for that.

Conclusion
My educational journey from HIT to UiS has provided me with a diverse perspective and underscored the importance of a holistic approach to higher education.

Both Zimbabwe and Norway share a common goal of preparing students for successful careers, but the methodologies and resources available differ significantly. Norway's investment in education, research, and technology has positioned its higher education system as a global leader in producing workforce-ready graduates. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe grapples with the task of modernizing its educational infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st-century job market.

I am forever grateful to the Harare Institute of Technology whose strengths lie in its commitment to building a strong foundation, fostering resilience, and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to society. As I continue my Master's program in Norway, I carry with me the valuable lessons and experiences from both institutions, hopeful that each can learn from the other to create well-rounded, career-ready graduates on a global scale.

Law 16 Of The 48 Laws Of Power: Use Absence To Increase Respect And Honor

 

I read the 48 laws of Power as a teenager and thought that it was evil. As I grow older though, I am beginning find it to be extremely important and a necessary tool for my day to day life. I often read it from time to time to remind myself of what I have to do in this world but sometimes I read it to understand the actions of the powerful of this world. Today is such a day. Often times, I keep such readings to myself but today I want to share with you all to just see how many of you can connect the dots.

JUDGMENT

Too much circulation makes the price go down: The more you are seen and heard from, the more common you appear. If you are already established in a group, temporary withdrawal from it will make you more talked about, even more admired. You must learn when to leave. Create value through scarcity.

OBSERVANCE OF THE LAW

For many centuries the Assyrians ruled upper Asia with an iron fist. In the eighth century B.C., however, the people of Medea (now northwestern Iran) revolted against them, and finally broke free. Now the Medes had to establish a new government. Determined to avoid any form of despotism, they refused to give ultimate power to any one man, or to establish a monarchy. Without a leader, however, the country soon fell into chaos, and fractured into small kingdoms, with village fighting against village.

In one such village lived a man named Deioces, who began to make a name for himself for fair dealing and the ability to settle disputes.

He did this so successfully, in fact, that soon any legal conflict in the area was brought to him, and his power increased. Throughout the land, the law had fallen into disrepute—the judges were corrupt, and no one entrusted their cases to the courts any more, resorting to violence instead. When news spread of Deioces’ wisdom, incorruptibility, and unshakable impartiality, Medean villages far and wide turned to him to settle all manner of cases. Soon he became the sole arbiter of justice in the land.

At the height of his power, Deioces suddenly decided he had had enough. He would no longer sit in the chair of judgment, would hear no more suits, settle no more disputes between brother and brother, village and village. Complaining that he was spending so much time dealing with other people’s problems that he had neglected his own affairs, he retired. The country once again descended into chaos. With the sudden withdrawal of a powerful arbiter like Deioces, crime increased, and contempt for the law was never greater. The Medes held a meeting of all the villages to decide how to get out of their predicament. “We cannot continue to live in this country under these conditions,” said one tribal leader. “Let us appoint one of our number to rule so that we can live under orderly government, rather than losing our homes altogether in the present chaos.”

And so, despite all that the Medes had suffered under the Assyrian despotism, they decided to set up a monarchy and name a king. And the man they most wanted to rule, of course, was the fair-minded Deioces. He was hard to convince, for he wanted nothing more to do with the villages’ in-fighting and bickering, but the Medes begged and pleaded—without him the country had descended into a state of lawlessness. Deioces finally agreed.

Yet he also imposed conditions. An enormous palace was to be constructed for him, he was to be provided with bodyguards, and a capital city was to be built from which he could rule. All of this was done, and Deioces settled into his palace. In the center of the capital, the palace was surrounded by walls, and completely inaccessible to ordinary people. Deioces then established the terms of his rule: Admission to his presence was forbidden. Communication with the king was only possible through messengers. No one in the royal court could see him more than once a week, and then only by permission.

Deioces ruled for fifty-three years, extended the Medean empire, and established the foundation for what would later be the Persian empire, under his great-great-grandson Cyrus. During Deioces’ reign, the people’s respect for him gradually turned into a form of worship: He was not a mere mortal, they believed, but the son of a god.

Interpretation

Deioces was a man of great ambition. He determined early on that the country needed a strong ruler, and that he was the man for the job.

In a land plagued with anarchy, the most powerful man is the judge and arbiter. So Deioces began his career by making his reputation as a man of impeccable fairness.

At the height of his power as a judge, however, Deioces realized the truth of the law of absence and presence: By serving so many clients, he had become too noticeable, too available, and had lost the respect he had earlier enjoyed. People were taking his services for granted. The only way to regain the veneration and power he wanted was to withdraw completely, and let the Medes taste what life was like without him. As he expected, they came begging for him to rule.

Once Deioces had discovered the truth of this law, he carried it to its ultimate realization. In the palace his people had built for him, none could see him except a few courtiers, and those only rarely. As Herodotus wrote, “There was a risk that if they saw him habitually, it might lead to jealousy and resentment, and plots would follow; but if nobody saw him, the legend would grow that he was a being of a different order from mere men.”

Evolution of Winky D: From Dancehall Sensation to Voice of Social Consciousness

Winky D at the Eureka Eureka Album Launch (2023)

By Prince Gora.

 I find it interesting that in the face of massive backlash of ‘some recent projects’, people are trying to drag Winky D into the mix. Of course he is no saint as can be proven by songs like ‘Mzii’ and ‘Put the blame on me’ among many others. However, Winky D has undeniably evolved in his musical journey, displaying a noticeable maturation over the years. 

His career trajectory reflects an artist who has navigated the complexities of fame while honing his craft and messaging. 

Initially recognized for his energetic and catchy dancehall tunes, Winky D's music often carried social commentary and reflections on societal issues. Over time, this evolved into a more nuanced and matured approach, wherein his lyrics began to delve deeper into themes of empowerment, social justice, and cultural identity. He emerged not just as an entertainer but as a voice for the people, using his platform to address pertinent issues affecting Zimbabweans. 

Moreover, Winky D's growth isn't just confined to his lyrical content. His musical style and performance have also shown refinement. From his earlier days of vibrant, high-tempo beats to incorporating a more diverse range of sounds, rhythms, and collaborations, he has displayed an adaptability and willingness to experiment within the music industry. 

Beyond his artistic development, Winky D's personal evolution also merits attention. As an individual in the public eye, he has navigated the challenges of fame while maintaining a relatively private personal life. This balance demonstrates a certain level of maturity and discretion, focusing on his artistry rather than succumbing to the pitfalls of celebrity culture. 

However, it's essential to acknowledge that Winky D, like any artist, isn't infallible. He has faced his fair share of controversies and criticisms, which are part and parcel of a public figure's journey. These instances, though, have potentially contributed to his growth and self-awareness, further shaping him into the artist he is today. 

In conclusion, Winky D stands as a testament to the evolution of an artist. From his early days of creating catchy dance tunes to becoming a voice for social consciousness, his journey exemplifies a maturation both in his music and personal character. While not immune to scrutiny, his growth serves as an inspiration, illustrating the potential for artists to evolve beyond their initial personas into impactful figures within their communities. 

Other artists, on the other hand, appear to be evolving in the opposite direction.

Realigning Strategies for Effective Opposition: A Critical Analysis of the CCC's Approach in Challenging ZANU PF

 

By Ray Nhongo

In many ways, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has proved to be a strange and complicated political party.  The party is relatively new, but old; weak but also strong and for the bystander, a party lacking any form of strategy and yet somehow managing to get more than a 1/3 of Zimbabwe's parliamentary votes and more than 45% of the Presidential votes (by official figures).

There is no denying that CCC is an important political player in Zimbabwe for at least the time being and the near future. However, there are clear concerns about the effectiveness of its current strategies and tactics that need to be addressed. You see, in as much as a neutral person may find their election perfomance somewhat impressive, the generality of Zimbabweans consider it a disaster - and for good reason.

Zimbabweans have witnessed a country run by ZANU PF for 43 years and have since gotten sick of it to the point that they just want change, just something different for once. Coming second, therefore, is not good enough for CCC's supporters. 

One may think that they are being too harsh to CCC, a party that is barely two years old but their grievancs are actually a bit justified. Like I said in the beginning, CCC is both old and new. The party name, symbol and other things are new but the people, the way of doing things and so forth are actually a bit old - like 23 years old. Indeed, the August 2023 election was actually the second time that CCC (formed in 2021) leader, Nelson Chamisa lost an election to ED Mnangagwa having done so for the first time 5 years earlier, in 2018.

We can go all day long explaining the complexities of CCC but that exercise is futile. What's important is that CCC has been unable to produced desired results for Zimbabweans and this has a lot to do with their strategies than their complexity.

Let's take for example, the SADC and and Tshabangu cases. Any remotely sane person would understand, through history and any factual basis, that SADC wasn't going to yield anything in CCC's favor in the aftermath of the August 2023 election. Worse still, when Tshabangu pursued the legal route in his fight against CCC, that that should have been the end of the story. We all know that the Judiciary is captured and has displayed that fact endlessly for God knows how long. But for some weird reason, CCC continued to believe in the impossible and pursed the matter in the courts, and embarassingly lost.

For some twisted sense of ordination, CCC thinks that the political universe or gods serve them only. This is very surprising because for one to reach a certain level of settlement or complete obliteration of Zanu Pf, they need to understand that those folks live and breathe for one thing only, power retention!

It is evident that CCC are making avoidable mistakes and failing to fully capitalize on the current political landscape. One of the main criticisms I have is that the CCC is overly focused on personalities rather than policy. The party's reliance on their leader, Nelson Chamisa, has created a situation where the party lacks a collective leadership structure. This makes CCC vulnerable and hinders its ability to function effectively.

As a concerned Zimbabwean and a sympathiser of the Citizens Coalition for Change, I feel compelled to profer solutions that may help address the pressing issues that hinder the party's effectiveness in challenging the ruling ZANU PF party.

Recommendations for the CCC

To effectively challenge ZANU PF, I propose the following changes to CCC's strategies and tactics:

Develop a more collective leadership structure. CCC need to move away from being a personality-driven party and establish a leadership structure that involves more members. This will ensure the party's continuity and effectiveness even if Chamisa is no longer the leader.

Connect with ordinary Zimbabweans. CCC must make a concerted effort to connect with the people, demonstrating that they represent their interests. This can be achieved through regular public meetings, active listening, and the development of policies that address their concerns.

Challenge ZANU PF more effectively. CCC need to be more confrontational with ZANU PF, exposing their corruption and mismanagement and calling for and leading peaceful protests.

Unity. The ongoing turmoil between Nelson Chamisa and the leaders or former leaders of his party is hardly good for anyone. They need to find each other and do so honestly.

By implementing these changes, I believe the CCC can improve its chances of challenging ZANU PF and bringing about positive change in Zimbabwe.

The Erosion of Democracy in Zimbabwe: A Closer Look at Recent Political Developments

 

By Prince Gora

Thos, like me, who care and keep a close eye on Zimbabwe and its politics, have been left mostly speechless by recent political developments in Zimbabwe.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be past us but its effects on Zimbbwe's state of democracy, which was already sickly long before it came, linger on. The pandemic paved the way for that controversial court ruling that gave Mwonzora unlimited power leading to Advocate Nelson Chamisa and company to launch a splinter 'new' party dubbed the Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC). 

To guard against ZANU PF's evil machinations, the party featured Chamisa on its logo, embraced fluid structures and virtually operated without a clear constitution. You would think that it worked but as one of best friends texted me this morning, "kana tazogara, Zanu hatina zera nayo." 

ZANU PF has given a new meaning to the phrase, "where there is a will, there's a way," and they don't really care any less or more if the 'way' is unconstitutional, inhuman or evil.

The uncontested win of ZANU PF's Pedzisayi 'Scott' Sakupwanya in the Mabvuku-Tafara parliamentary constituency is the latest proof of this theory. Rightly and as expected, it has ignited controversy and further strained the faith in Zimbabwe's electoral processes.

This analysis article aims to delve into the implications of this event, as well as the midnight court ruling that followed, and examine how these actions contribute to the potential erosion of democracy in Zimbabwe. Additionally, suggestions for individuals and collective actions to restore democracy will be put forth.

Uncontested Win in Mabvuku-Tafara:

The news of Pedzisayi Sakupwanya's uncontested victory in the Mabvuku-Tafara parliamentary constituency is a cause for concern. Pedzisayi's victory came after Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, the CCC candidate was barred from contesting in the by-elections by the high court. An earlier order by Justice Never Katiyo had barred eight recalled CCC MPs from running in the by-elections, but a subsequent order from Justice Isaac Muzenda added Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi to the list of ousted CCC legislators. The withdrawal of the order allowed Sakupwanya to run unopposed. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's confirmation of the win raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Legal Fraud and Midnight Court Ruling:

While we were all sleeping last night, there was a midnight court ruling by Justice Isaac Muzenda which has since faced significant criticism from legal professionals, with many considering it a violation of the law and an embarrassment to the legal fraternity. Lawyers have questioned why a judge from Mutare was brought in to preside over a matter in Harare during the late hours of the night. Particularly alarming is the account provided by Jeremiah Bamu, a lawyer mentored in the judge's ruling, which alleges fraudulent activity and a disregard for proper legal procedures. This raises serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of the judiciary.

The Path to One-Party Rule:

These recent political developments, combined with past actions commited by the ED Mnangagwa led government, indicate a troubling trend towards one-party rule by ZANU PF in Zimbabwe. The manipulation of electoral processes, such as barring opposition lawmakers from running and alleged rigging of elections, undermines the principles of democracy and stifles political diversity within the country. The allegations of fraudulent acts during the midnight court ruling add another layer to this growing concern. The consolidation of power by one party limits the accountability and checks and balances necessary for a thriving democracy.

Restoring Democracy in Zimbabwe:

While the erosion of democracy is disheartening, it is essential to explore avenues for change and restoration. Here are a few suggestions for individuals and collective actions:

1. Civil Society Engagement: Engage with civil society organizations advocating for democracy, human rights, and electoral reform. Support their initiatives and participate in peaceful demonstrations and campaigns to raise awareness about the erosion of democracy.

2. International Pressure: Encourage international organizations and governments to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to uphold democratic principles. This can be achieved through diplomatic channels. The use of  economic sanctions, or the imposition of targeted restrictions against individuals involved in undermining democracy should, however, not be attempted because it has already proved to be unfruitful.

3. Empowerment and Education: Promote civic education and political awareness among Zimbabwean citizens. By empowering individuals with knowledge about their rights, as well as skills in effective civil participation and advocacy, the foundations for a strong democratic society can be strengthened.

4. Media and Information Dissemination: Support independent media outlets and journalists who strive to report on political developments accurately and expose any violations of democratic principles. Promote the importance of a free and unbiased press in maintaining democracy.

5. New opposition leader? This is perhaps the most controversial of my proposals. The reality is that it doesn’t matter which side CCC takes, ZANU PF will still take the other side and win. They control everything in the country and their will always prevail whether those at the helm of CCC have wisdom or not. The question then is, is there anyone better to lead Zimbabwe's opposition at the moment? The truth is that I can't think of anyone who is more appealing than Nelson Chamisa in that regard. However, I strongly believe that he needs to twitch and change most of his tactics if he is to be effective in bringing a new Great Zimbabwe. I believe that it's about time he starts taking citizens seriously and address their concerns and adopt some of their suggestions.

In conclusion, the recent events surrounding the uncontested win of Pedzisayi Sakupwanya and the midnight court ruling in Zimbabwe are indicative of a worrisome erosion of democracy. By examining these developments critically and discussing potential actions to restore democracy, there is hope for change. It is essential for citizens, both within Zimbabwe and internationally, to remain vigilant and committed to upholding democratic principles. Only through collective efforts can Zimbabwe steer itself back on the path towards a truly democratic and inclusive society.